Veneers are ceramic, porcelain, or composite coverings or shells that fit over your front teeth. They’re a type of artificial tooth and permanent cosmetic treatment designed to hide gaps, cracks, stains, or other minor flaws. Digital imaging has several key benefits in veneer design and tooth prep. Here's what to know.
What Is Digital Imaging?
Digital imaging uses computers and digital technology to generate images, scans, and 3D models of your teeth and mouth. These modern tools help your dentist generate high-resolution and detailed images in seconds, which makes diagnosing, treatment planning, and health management much easier and more precise.
Types of Digital Imaging
There are many forms of digital imaging used in dentistry, but some of the most common include digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, and cone beam computed tomography.
Digital X-rays
Digital X-rays are similar to traditional radiographic X-rays, but use sensors or scanners and digital cameras connected to a computer instead of X-ray film. Digital X-rays have been around since the 1980s, but technology has advanced since then to provide clearer and better images within seconds.
Your dentist can enhance or filter the images using digital contrast and other features that help them quickly identify disease or other concerns. In addition, digital X-rays use about 80% to 90% less radiation, lowering your exposure and risk.
Intraoral Camera
As it sounds, an intraoral camera is a handheld device that goes inside your mouth to take pictures or images of your teeth. Your dentist uses these images to design and plan treatment and create digital models of your teeth. In addition, some of these devices have multiple functions, such as special lights that allow your dentist to find and identify plaque, cavities, and gum inflammation.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Cone beam is a CT scan that generates 3D images of your teeth, dental structures, bone, and nerve tissue in your mouth and face. It’s different from a traditional CT scan in that you don’t enter a large machine. Instead, your dental team uses an X-ray beam in a cone shape and moves the cone device around your head to create several images. It’s smaller and more affordable and designed specifically for use in clinics.
How Digital Imaging Impacts Veneers
Veneers are a custom dental treatment designed to improve your smile and overall appearance. Dental imaging speeds up the process and gives your dentist the precise information they need to customize and prepare your veneers.
Personalized Treatment
Digital imaging generates detailed scans and images that help your dentist see any tooth disease or other problems that might interfere with your veneers or need to be treated before placing them. These images are fast, high-resolution, and stored on a computer, allowing your dentist to gain rapid insight into your oral health, create a custom treatment plan, and personalize your experience.
Precise Veneer Design
After taking images and 3D scans of your teeth, your dentist may import these models into design software to help create custom veneers. With these images, your dentist can plan the shape, size, and placement of veneers with precision, and create a natural and seamless look. The result is a custom smile that naturally fits your face and mouth and subtly enhances your appearance.
Better Tooth Prep
Part of the veneer process involves shaving or scaling your tooth so that the artificial teeth cement into place. With dental imaging, your dentist can get a precise view of your tooth thickness and plan exactly how much to shave off. These tools help control this process, creating a more accurate tooth reduction and lowering your risk of damage.
Lower Veneers Cost
A digital imaging and veneer design workflow creates an exact treatment. With more information about your teeth and mouth, better images, and 3D models, your dentist or lab can create better-fitting and natural veneers the first time. That leads to fewer costs and a more affordable overall process for you and the dentist.
Custom Veneers With Cosmetic Dentist in Charlotte
Veneers are a simple way to hide stains and gaps and enhance your smile without major procedures. Cosmetic dentists who use advanced technologies, like our team at Skyview Dentistry, can produce custom and natural results that make you feel good about your smile. Learn about the veneer process and your options at our clinic. Book an appointment today!